Tuan syed

Tuan Syed was visibly excited. It was his first day at work. His father would definitely be proud. Tuan Syed’s father had always wanted his son to be a judge. Tuan Syed dutifully read law in the local university, and upon graduating, enrolled in the Judicial and Legal Service. And today, he is to report for duty as a magistrate.

Tuan Syed reached the court early – well before the clock-in time. The other court staff is already present. Ravin, the court interpreter, introduced himself, “Tuan, first day, no need to worry so much.” Tuan Syed smiled. Junaidah, the secretary, quickly briefed the new magistrate on the affairs of the day. “Cases will be called at 9.00 sharp Tuan. You may call for a recess after the mentions. That is the usual practice.” Tuan Syed nodded.

He sat in his chambers. It is just a small room. “Well, I am just a magistrate. I can’t be expecting a chambers befitting of a High Court Judge,” thought Tuan Syed. He then pondered as to how his first day will go about. He wondered whether he will be a good judge. He never wanted to be a judge – it was only to please his father. But then again, he never had any other ambitions either. There was a sudden knock on the door, jolting him from his cogitating slumber. It was Junaidah, “Tuan, Ravin says the court is ready.” “Yes, I am ready as well,” replied Tuan Syed.

As the new magistrate made his entrance into the high pedestal, all the lawyers and members of the public stood up; a gesture of respect to the institution of the judiciary. As Tuan Syed takes his place, he suddenly feels nervous sitting so high up, all alone. “I hope I don’t blunder,” he thinks to himself.

Ravin calls the first case. “Rosmawati binti Kassim!” shouts Ravin in authority. On his right, Tuan Syed sees a burly character, garbed in the usual black and white. “Sarveen Singh for the plaintiff. I am acting for the bank,” bellows the rather monstrous advocate. Tuan Syed is somewhat taken aback. “Err, yes” he murmurs. “Tuan, my client has a claim for RM150,000 against this lady. She has failed to pay her housing loan for the past 5 months.” It was only then that Tuan Syed was able to catch sight of the lady standing at the far-left corner of the court. She was a gaunt-looking middle-aged lady – meek and desolate. With her are four children; one infant in her arms, and three other mournful looking souls by her side. “Tuan Magistrate,” says the lady in a soft whisper. She was hardly audible. “My husband placed my name in the house. He is the sole-breadwinner,” explains the lady. “And where is your husband now?” inquired Tuan Syed. “He has left us 3 months ago for another woman. I do not have the means to pay. I need the house for my children. I am still breast feeding the youngest here,” pleads the lady in a weak and slow manner. “Please help me sir, for the sake of my children.”

Tuan Syed’s heart sank. “Where is your lawyer?” he inquired. “Oh sir, I don’t even have enough money to feed my 4 children …” came her reply, her voice almost choking. Sensing the inexperience of the new magistrate, Sarveen Singh retorted boisterously, “Tuan Magistrate, judgment against the defendant.” “But Mr. Sarveen, you heard her story,” interjected Tuan Syed. “Tuan, we are not concerned with such matters. The defendant has failed in her instalment, judgment must be entered at once,” answers Sarveen, his voice even louder now. Tuan Syed’s eyes darted back to the lady. She is clearly in tears now. So are her children. Tuan Syed is at a loss. He wished the floor would just open and devour him - that would save him from deciding. “Tuan! I pray for judgment against the defendant,” growls Sarveen Singh again. Tuan Syed lowered his head, suddenly feeling quite ashamed and defeated. “Judgment against the defendant,” he dejectedly declares. He couldn’t even bring himself to look up at the lady.

During the court recess, Tuan Syed quickly steps out for some air. He felt awful. He was a terrible judge, and a terrible person. Suddenly, his eyes caught sight of the lady and her children across the road. Tuan Syed quickly went up to her. “Madam,” he says, “I am truly sorry. I was just doing my job.” The lady looks up and smiles, “I understand. I don’t blame you. It is my husband who got me into this trouble.” Tuan Syed then took out from his wallet - RM200 in cash, his spending for the month. “Please Madam, I want you to have this,” declares Tuan Syed. “But sir, I cannot.” “No, I insist. For the children,” says Tuan Syed. And almost immediately, he turned his back and dashed back into the court building. The next day, right after the recess for lunch, Junaidah anxiously told her magistrate, “Tuan, the Chief Registrar wants to see you immediately”. Tuan Syed’s heart skipped a bit. “Oh no! Someone must have seen what I did yesterday,” thought the apprehensive magistrate. As he walks across the building to the Chief Registrar’s office, a myriad of thoughts went through Tuan Syed’s mind, “I will definitely be relieved of my post, no question about that. I will be the first magistrate to be sacked after two days.”

His heart was beating wildly as he stood in front of the door. A short knock ensued. “Yes, come in,” the voice answers. “Ah, Tuan Magistrate Syed,” says the Chief Registrar. “You wanted to see me sir,” a nervous Tuan Syed stammered. “Yes, I’ll go straight to the point,” says the Registrar, “I have news of what you did yesterday. You know, this has never happened before in our history.” Tuan Syed tries to explain. “I don’t need your explanations Syed,” interjected the Chief Registrar.

He then gives Tuan Syed a broad smile. “Don’t worry; there is nothing I can do to you. You gave someone money out of the kindness of your heart. That is no crime. Now, if you had received money, that would be another story, wouldn’t it?” says the Registrar, in his deep voice. “Syed, there not many like you. You have compassion. You will be an asset to the judiciary,” continues the Registrar. As Tuan Syed walks back to his chambers, he thinks to himself, “I will be a good judge after all.”

Questions:

1. Why did Tuan Syed decide to become a judge?

2. What were the feelings of Tuan Syed on his first day as a judge?

3. What case did they examine in the court on this day?

4. What did Tuan Syed do for a woman?

5. What was Tuan Syed afraid of after his action? What did the Chief Registrar say to him?

(taken from http://theconstructionlawyer.blogspot.com/)